Identifying structure, process and outcome factors of the clinical specialist nurse: A scoping review study

Abstract

Background: In order to achieve the major goals of transformation in the health care system, organizing and developing the existing potential properly play a pivotal role. The objective is to conduct a scoping review to describe available extent of literatures about scattered structure, process, and outcome factors of the clinical specialist nurse and redesign those as three cohesive and interconnected factors. Materials and Methods: A scoping review of studies was conducted from 1970 to June 20, 2020, focusing on the structure, process, and outcome factors of the clinical specialist nurse from six databases. Results: Forty-six studies were carried out. Structure (individual characteristics, intra-organizational, and governance factors), process (professional interactions, and roles and duties of a specialist nurse), and outcome (patient and family, nurse, and organizational outcomes) factors were identified. Conclusions: With the correct knowledge of the factors, it is possible to achieve the desired therapeutic, organizational, and professional results of nursing by providing the necessary fields in the structure, process, and outcomes. The identification of structures, processes, and outcomes that influence clinical nurse's role implementation may inform strategies used by providers and decision makers to optimize these roles across healthcare settings and guarantee the delivery of high-quality care.